Legislation that drew accusations of being aimed at Sharia, or Islamic law, early in the session was recommended as amended by a committee Tuesday.
The House Judiciary Committee concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 1041 -- legislation that would "declare American laws for American courts" -- on a voice vote without debate or opposition. When the committee first heard the bill in early February, it elicited two hours of debate in a packed room.
The bill next goes to the full House. If the House concurs with the Senate amendments, HB1041, by Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, would head to the governor's desk.
The Senate changed the bill to clarify that marriage as defined by the measure must comply with U.S. Supreme Court rulings, which have allowed same-sex marriage in all states.
-- John Moritz
